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Second Death Reported in Legionnaires’ Disease Outbreak on Manhattan’s Upper East Side
The New York City Health Department reported a second death in a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, affecting 72 individuals. Health officials are testing cooling towers and urging those with symptoms to seek medical attention.
NEW YORK — The New York City Health Department announced on Saturday that a second person has died due to an outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. This outbreak has now affected 72 individuals, with the first death reported on Friday and the second confirmed on Saturday.
Health Department Statement
In a statement, New York City Health Commissioner Dr. Alister F. Martin expressed condolences, stating, “We are heartbroken to learn that another New Yorker has lost their life to Legionnaires’ disease on the Upper East Side. Our deepest condolences are with their loved ones as they grieve.”
Understanding Legionnaires’ Disease
Legionnaires’ disease is a severe form of pneumonia caused by bacteria that thrive in warm, stagnant water. Health officials are currently focusing on testing cooling towers that are part of air conditioning systems in large buildings. Property owners have been instructed to drain and disinfect any towers that test positive for the bacteria.
Current Status of the Outbreak
Although health officials have not yet identified the exact source of the outbreak, they noted a significant decline in new cases, suggesting that the source of exposure to the Legionella bacteria has likely been eliminated. As of Saturday, nine of the 72 infected individuals remain hospitalized, while 50 have been discharged and 11 did not require hospitalization.
Precautions and Recommendations
Health officials urge anyone who lives, works, or has visited the affected ZIP codes and develops flu-like symptoms within 14 days of exposure to seek medical attention. Symptoms may take up to two weeks to appear.
Last year, a similar outbreak in Harlem resulted in seven deaths and over 100 illnesses, highlighting the potential severity of this disease.
Sources
- https://www.benningtonbanner.com/ap/national/second-death-reported-in-legionnaires-disease-outbreak-in-new-york-city/article_b6487934-c02e-524d-8b3b-a561176684c6.html
- second-death-in-ues-legionnaires-disease-cluster
- Second death reported in Legionnaires’ disease outbreak in New York City
- 2nd death reported in Upper East Side Legionnaires’ disease cluster, health officials say – CBS New York
- NYC Health Department Investigating Community Cluster of Legionnaires’ Disease on the Upper East Side – NYC Health
- NYC Health Dept. Releases Preliminary List of Buildings Ordered To Clean and Disinfect Their Cooling Towers – NYC Health
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